Direct Electrosynthesis of TiC Nanoparticles from TiO2/C Precursors in Molten Calcium Chloride

Introduction: The molten salt electro-deoxidation method was used to prepare TiC materials. The effects of different pressing pressures, electrolytic voltages, and different electrolytic times on the TiC materials prepared by this method were investigated. Methods: According to its stoichiometry and the conventional practices in this field, the molar ratio of TiO2 to C is set at 1:1 for the mixture. The mixed powder is pressed into a sample under a pressing pressure of 15 MPa to 25 MPa, and then the sample is electrolyzed under an electrolysis voltage of 2.8 V to 3.2 V. The electrolysis is carried out at a temperature of 900°C. In this process, the anode is a carbon rod and the cathode is the sample. Results: Under the condition of a temperature of 900°C, with a pressing pressure ranging from 15 MPa to 25 MPa, it was found that when the pressing pressure was 20 MPa, a relatively good TiC material could be prepared. When the electrolysis voltage was between 2.8 V and 3.2 V, it was found that the optimal condition was when the electrolysis voltage was 3.2 V. Under different electrolysis times, when the electrolysis time was 15 hours, relatively pure TiC nanoparticle materials were prepared. Discussion: In molten calcium chloride, the effects of different tablet pressing pressures, electrolytic voltages, and electrolytic times on the direct synthesis of TiC materials by electrodeoxidation of TiO2/C precursors were investigated. It was found that high-purity nano-Tic materials could be prepared under the conditions of 1173 K, 20 MPa, 15 h, and 3.2 V. Conclusion: This paper investigates the effects of different pressing pressures, electrolysis voltages, and electrolysis times on the preparation of TiC nanoparticles. The research found that in the molten salt of CaCl2, at a temperature of 900°C, with a pressing pressure of 20 MPa, an electrolytic voltage of 3.2 V, and an electrolysis time of 15 hours, relatively pure nanoparticle materials could be prepared.